Hyundai i45

i45

The i45 was available at launch in three specifications, each powered by a new direct-injection 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that, with 148kW and 250Nm, delivered more performance than all of its rivals in the mainstream mid-size sedan segment.

The sedan-only, front-wheel drive i45 landed with a higher than expected starting price that pitched it directly against Suzuki's all-new Kizashi and the recently-facelifted Mazda6.

What's more, the cost of the automatic option priced the base i45 higher than the more established Ford Mondeo, Holden Epica, and Toyota Camry. A bold move for a company that had been long associated with the bargain-basement.

In October 2010, the i45's 2011 upgrade improved the suspension in response to press criticism while also adding standard Bluetooth, satellite-navigation and heated front seats to the Premium model (in return for a $1000 price increase).